Surgical Procedures

Chin Implant

Chin Implant

A small or retruded chin can cause your nose to appear large or long and your neck angle to seem less defined. A surgically placed permanent chin implant can provide prominence to the chin and help bring the profile of your face into harmony. Standard chin implants come in many shapes and sizes allowing Dr. Champagne the ability to choose the right implant for you after discussing your specific goals.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A CHIN IMPLANT?

Individuals who are bothered by a small chin, weak jaw or lack of facial contour

Individuals with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal dental bite- the way the teeth come together

Individuals with concerns for a long or overprojected nose who also have weak chins may benefit from a chin implant to help balance the face

Healthy individuals who have no major medical conditions

Patients who will attain the best results are those who have realistic goals and expectations of the procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION:

Dr. Champagne will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you are currently taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you have had. It is extremely important to tell us if you are allergic to any medications. To determine your treatment options and candidacy for a chin implant, Dr. Champagne will examine and measure areas of your face to determine overall symmetry and balance. In addition, you will take photographs for your medical record. During your consultation, Dr. Champagne will discuss with you your reasons for wanting chin augmentation and what your expectations are in terms of appearance after the procedure. Dr. Champagne then uses your photos combined with computer imaging during your consultation to provide you with a simulation of anticipated results. Chin implant surgery can be performed both safely and comfortably in either an in-office or operating room setting. Dr. Champagne will discuss both options with you during your consultation.

PREPARING FOR CHIN IMPLANT SURGERY:

Depending on your age and general health, certain preoperative tests may be necessary. We will discuss these with you and be sure that they are performed prior to undergoing surgery. If you are a smoker, Dr. Champagne will recommend that you stop smoking both before surgery and during your recovery period as smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. By stopping smoking, you will improve your ability to heal and optimize your postoperative results. If you need help quitting smoking, we will be happy to assist you. Certain medications will need to be avoided both before and after surgery such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding. We will provide you with a list of all medications to be avoided. For the day of surgery, you should also make plans for someone to bring you to and from our office or surgical center and stay with you at least the first night afterwards. If a caregiver is not available, or if you prefer to recover in privacy, our office staff will be happy to schedule postoperative care for you with our world-class postoperative care facility.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY?

Chin implants begin to heal almost immediately. Because Dr. Champagne utilizes a very small incision under the chin (1 to 1.5 cm), this procedure has a very short recovery time, and sutures are removed after five days. A surgical dressing placed on your skin around your implant site will be removed on the same day as your sutures. Usually there is very minimal bruising if any, but swelling is common and can last for a couple of weeks. Postoperative pain is very minimal and most patients describe a general tight sensation rather than pain. This tight sensation resolves as the surrounding tissues heal. Numbness is extremely uncommon, but typically resolves within 4-6 weeks if it occurs.